Michele McPherson

The Princeton Economic Development Strategic Plan focuses on four key objectives: 1. Site identification and development for redevelopment, creating a plan to influence development, and establishing a development process aligned with the comprehensive plan. This includes identifying sites, reviewing financial assistance policies, acquiring funding, engaging property owners, determining target businesses, and reviewing development standards for flexibility. 2. Utilizing land use planning to promote job growth and enhance economic health. This involves planning for annexation, identifying industrial land development opportunities, identifying job-generating land uses, analyzing underutilized land areas, and creating strategies for maximizing their potential. 3. Developing a comprehensive marketing and branding strategy to attract businesses and residents. This includes monitoring business-friendly policies, implementing an online permitting process, refining the Business Retention and Expansion Program, monitoring fees, creating a destination environment, promoting partnerships, and supporting the use of natural amenities. 4. Creating infrastructure for life-cycle housing. This involves developing a program for home updates, identifying areas for future housing development, and reviewing the structure for community participation in new housing projects. The plan emphasizes regular review and updates to ensure relevance and continued buy-in from stakeholders.

The council meeting covered a wide range of topics, including the final reading of an ordinance for the annexation of the Sunken Ship Brewery property. A resolution establishing a Joint Airport Planning Board and appointing members was approved. Ordinances regarding the amendment to allow brewer taprooms and rezoning for the Sunken Ship property were introduced. A Wine and Spirits grant was approved, along with several donations for the Light Up Princeton initiative and the Police Department K9 program. Ordinances were introduced to amend the zoning map and the East Central Cable Commission bylaws. Contracts were awarded for cleanup services and a classification and compensation study. The preliminary tax levy was certified, and a public input meeting was scheduled. The City Administrator's bi-weekly report included updates on airport projects, budgeting, development projects, personnel matters, and a wastewater treatment plant study. Committee reports included updates on Chamber of Commerce events, PUC meetings, and Public Power Week.

The Princeton Economic Development Strategic Plan focuses on four key objectives: 1. Site identification and development for redevelopment, creating a development process aligned with the comprehensive plan; 2. Utilizing land use planning to promote job growth and enhance the city's economic health; 3. Developing a comprehensive marketing and branding strategy to attract businesses and residents; and 4. Creating the infrastructure necessary for life-cycle housing. The plan includes tasks such as identifying redevelopment sites, engaging property owners, reviewing development standards, creating community monuments, utilizing GIS data, planning for annexation, identifying industrial land development opportunities, researching underutilized land areas, creating a business roundtable, developing an online permitting process, implementing a Business Retention and Expansion Program, monitoring fees, creating a destination environment, promoting partnerships, promoting art and cultural opportunities, and developing housing programs. The plan emphasizes regular review and updates to ensure relevance and continued community buy-in.

The council meeting involved discussions on various topics, including sealcoat bids, gambling permits, an MNDOT agency agreement, liquor licenses, garbage hauler licenses, fireworks retail sale requests, payments for band performances, hiring volunteer firefighters, amendments to master service agreements, resignations from the Public Works Department and Fire Department, and information from the Sherburne County Assessor. Other agenda items included grant requests, special event permits for the Rum River Festival, donations for the festival and canoe programs, letters of support for road improvements, FAA grant applications for airport beacon replacement and ALP updates, temporary staffing for audit preparation, and the city administrator's bi-weekly report. Specific actions taken included approving bids, contracts, licenses, and personnel matters.

The Princeton City Council meeting addressed various agenda items, including the approval of annual licenses for 2023, hiring for a Public Works position, and a resolution authorizing a plat for Fountain Place. The resignation of a Planning Commission member was accepted, and polling places were designated. Informational items included Planning Commission and EDA minutes, a traffic calming measure, and a resolution authorizing an alternate interest rate index for a conduit revenue obligation. The council also considered authorizing a scope of work for a business park replat, and a public hearing was called for to vacate a utility easement. A revolving loan fund policy was approved. A presentation on Truth in Taxation was given. Old business included the final reading of Ordinance 829 regarding lodging tax and an agreement between the City and Chamber of Commerce. New business included donations to the police department, Minnesota State Aid street designations, the first reading of Ordinance 830 regarding the 2023 fee schedule, and a purchase agreement for property in the Princeton Business Park. A signage request was also addressed, along with approval of check registers and a city administrator's bi-weekly report.